What is Smart Search (Mac)?
In this article, we’ll consider what is Smart Search browser hijacker. At first, this hijacker may seem like a very useful search page. Moreover, according to the developers, this search page greatly enhances the browsing experience. Plus, it offers convenient buttons for quick redirection to popular sites. Also, it should be noted that this search engine has a very attractive design. In reality, after some time, it will become clear to you that this is useless. Let’s take a closer look at the negative sides of Smart Search. first of all, it redirects the user when searching on a third-party site. Moreover, search results can be replaced with third-party content that contains ads. This hijacker comes in the form of a browser extension, for example for Safari, Chrome, Mozilla and other browsers in your Mac. However, the greatest danger is that it collects and analyzes user private data. This data is passed on to third parties for various purposes. First of all, it can be used for commercial purposes, namely for targeted advertising. Anyway, we strongly recommend that you remove Smart Search from your Mac right now.
How Smart Search gets on your Mac?
As with PCs, Smart Search comes on a Mac without the user’s consent, the form of an additional element or component in installers or downloaders from the Internet. This is due to the fact that the user does not pay enough attention to the installation process, and also downloads any content from unsafe sites. Of course, you need to download and install programs and applications only from official sites, or directly from the Apple website. Also, you need to use special software that is able to prevent the penetration of such malware on your Mac. If Smart Search has already penetrated your computer and changed your homepage, then use our recommendations to remove it from your Mac right now.
How to remove Smart Search from your Mac or PC?
To uninstall Smart Search remove it from Applications, then delete all leftover files and folders.
In our view, there are 2 products that potentially have Smart Search in their database. You can try to use them for removing Smart Search.
Try SpyHunter for Mac
SpyHunter for Mac fully removes all instances of newest viruses from Mac/MacBook and Safari. Besides, leaner can help to optimize MacOS and free up disk space. Compatible with all versions of MacOS. The free version of SpyHunter for Mac allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
Or uninstall Smart Search manually.
Step 1: Remove Smart Search from Mac
Smart Search may not have app associated with it in Application. However, we recommend you to inspect the list of installed applications and remove unknown or suspicious ones.
Mac OSX:
- Open Finder
- In the Finder sidebar, click Applications
- If you see Uninstall Smart Search or Smart Search Uninstaller, double-click it and follow instructions
- Drag unwanted application from the Applications folder to the Trash (located on the right side of the Dock)
Learn more about uninstallation of programs in Mac OSX
To remove leftover items of unwanted application on Mac we recommend you to use AppCleaner. Just drag application you want to remove to AppCleaner window and it will search for residual data on your hard drive. This will save space of your memory and will help to remove stubborn applications from Mac systems.
After that remove Smart Search from your browser.
Step 2: Remove Smart Search from browsers
Safari:
- Open Safari
- Click Safari menu.
- Choose Extensions.
- Find Smart Search.
- Click Uninstall button to remove it.
Learn more about removing extensions from Safari.
Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome
- Push Alt + F.
- Click Tools.
- Choose Extensions.
- Find Smart Search.
- Click the trash can icon to remove it.
Learn more about removing extensions from Chrome.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox.
- Push Shift + Ctrl + A.
- Choose Smart Search.
- Click Disable or Remove button.
Learn more about removing extensions from Firefox.
Step 3: Remove following files and folders of Smart Search:
Remove following registry entries:
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Remove following files:
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Remove following folders
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Written by Rami Douafi